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5/2/08 - Fiji Government Online Portal Fiji
Cabinet Approves National Policy on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace |
Cabinet has approved the National Policy on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
under the Employment Relations Promulgation.
Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Labour,
Industrial Relations, Employment, Local Government, Urban Development and
Housing, Mr Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi.
Mr Vayeshnoi explained that sexual harassment in the workplace is a very
important and priority issue that has to be effectively addressed in order to
ensure quality of work in an environment free of intimidation and sexual
harassment, and to enhance productivity.
“As a Member State of the International Labour Organisation ((ILO) and
signatory to the UN Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW) the draft Policy fulfils Government’s obligations to ensure that
every worker should enjoy work and at the end of the day returns home to his or
her family with his or her dignity intact.
“It provides one of the grounds on which an employment grievance or dispute can
be raised under the ER Promulgation.”
Mr Vayeshnoi said that the operating principles of the national policy include
ensuring that all stakeholders associated with a workplace and the community at
large are safeguarded against sexual harassment; and ensuring the behaviour
appropriate to promoting and ensuring a harassment-free workplace environment
is characterised by mutual respect and support.
“It also aims to empower those persons within an organisation who have
insufficient power to prevent any form of harassing behaviours from occurring
and to support people who feel sexually harassed to find appropriate solutions.
“Conversely, it aims to provide appropriate solutions for those persons who may
be accused of sexually harassing other in the workplace.”
Mr Vayeshnoi said that adoption of the National Policy on Sexual Harassment in
the Workplace by all relevant stakeholders will ensure that they consciously
and deliberately build a positive, respectful and productive working
environment.
He added that it is an evolving policy and would be reviewed and amended as and
when required.
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